The Group Training Association of Victoria (GTAV)* has raised concerns over recent reports in the media which criticise poor vocational education and training outcomes of privately Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

Gary Workman, Executive Director of GTAV comments that recent media reporting implied that privately run training is inferior to publicly funded training, a comparison which Gary says is unfair. Instead, the focus should be on private and publicly run training providers providing quality training which is closely linked to employment outcomes and industry needs. This is particularly the case with apprenticeships and traineeships.

“The real debate needs to focus on ensuring quality training that is provided is linked to an employment outcome – this should attract greater government financial support regardless of industry sector, qualification level or training provider”.

“The issue is not public vs. private, but rather that there is an open and contestable market for quality training that meets employers’ needs.

“All training providers should have to meet outcome based auditing which will ensure that the needs of industry and the economy are met”. A view that other industry associations have recently supported.

“Training providers play a crucial role in an open and competitive market. Employers seek a provider that is focused on working with them to produce quality graduates who will meet their needs, regardless of whether the provider is privately or publicly run”.

Gary advises that the new policy framework introduced on 1 July 2012 by the Victorian State Government is a further cause for concern, with young people potentially encouraged to enrol in courses which do not necessarily meet market needs, but which offer a higher level of funding support to the trainee. This may result in young people obtaining qualifications which do not represent their interests, and may not secure them employment.

*The Group Training Association of Victoria is the peak body representing not for profit group training organisations that employ over 8500+ apprentices and trainees across all industry sectors annually within Victoria. Victorian GTO’s manage these training requirements through both TAFE and private training providers.